AN Exmouth man will face Crown Court trial for allegedly having an offensive weapon in the town’s Phear Park.

David Anthony Buckland, of Nutbrook, allegedly brandished a steak knife at a youth following an altercation over his car. The 79-year-old claims that it was not a knife but an aluminium strip that he got out of the car following the argument with the youth. The prosecution states that it is difficult to confuse a strip with a knife.

Magistrates sitting in Exeter on Tuesday, August 24, felt that their powers weren’t sufficient enough to handle the case, deciding it should be committed to Crown Court for trial. The committal hearing will take place on Thursday, October 21. Buckland was released on unconditional bail.